CULLOWHEE, N.C. - Western Carolina women's soccer soared out to a strong start, in its lone exhibition match of the season, blanking High Point 5-0 Friday at the Catamount Athletic Complex.

"This was a good starting point for us, allowing us to find out where our strengths and weaknesses lie," said Head Women's Soccer Coach Chad Miller. "Although the score was 5-0 we have a lot to work on. It was nice to see goals go in the back of the net."

It was a slow start for Western Carolina in the opening salvo of the first half, with five shots in the first 30 plus minutes. Junior Sara Robinson logged in a pair of shots early before the Catamounts finally found the net.

At the 35:13 minute mark, junior Kayla Sedgley took a header shot, off an assist by Christine Cockrell for the first goal of the match. After the opening score, Western Carolina didn't waste any time adding another, as six minutes later the Catamounts were on the board again. It was Cockrell again adding the assist, on an eerily similar play, but this time it was senior Christine Kaznowski who took the header shot for the goal.

Western Carolina led 2-0 heading into the half. Junior goal keeper Jenny Lauer played the first 45 minutes in the net, logging two saves. In the final 45 minutes, freshman Carly Tintsman got the call and notched six saves for the Catamounts.

After scoring a pair of goals in the first half, Western Carolina tacked on three goals in the second.

Almost two minutes into the second half, junior Madison Lee scored at the 46:51 mark of the match.

At around the 60 minute mark, Western Carolina picked up a corner kick opportunity, just it's second of the match, and made the most of it. Robinson took the corner kick placing it perfectly for junior Tara Budnick right in front of the goal for the score.

The scoring frenzy was capped off at the 76:33 mark and by a freshman to boot. Newcomer Kasey Cooke sent a rocket of a kick past the High Point goal keeper Jesse May for the score.

All in all, Western Carolina had 22 shots on goal, 13 in the second half. High Point had 11.

Over 400 plus came out the Catamount soccer exhibition, filling the stands and offering support for the 2013 squad.

"There was an unbelievable crowd tonight for the match and it had a real impact on the team," Miller said. "We talk about it all the time, as a team, how special it is to play here at home because of the great fan support we enjoy."

Western Carolina opens the 2013 regular season hosting Lipscomb at 7 p.m. August 23 at the Catamount Athletic Complex.